Marketing Blog
How Your Branding Might Be Costing You Leads (And How to Fix It) with Dan Antonelli of KickCharge Creative
As a deck builder, you know that the quality of your craftsmanship speaks for itself. However, if your branding doesn’t match the excellence of your work, you may be unknowingly losing out on potential leads. Dan explains how, even before the phone rings, your branding has already set the stage for whether or not a lead will convert into a customer.
Why Builders Lose Momentum Right After They Decide to Grow (and How to Keep It Going)
In the world of deck building, growth is the dream. Every builder wants to see their business expand, increase revenue, and land bigger projects. But why is it that so many deck builders lose momentum right after they decide to grow? In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast, we’re joined by Jessie Champagne, our onboarding expert at Deck Builder Marketers, who provides invaluable insights into why many builders stall after making the decision to grow and how to overcome it.
What 2025 Made Clear for Deck Builders Heading Into 2026
The pandemic years brought a flood of demand. Everyone stayed booked, and it didn’t really matter who had the best marketing. But that overflow is gone now. Homeowners have choices again. Backlogs are shorter, more builders have entered the market, and technology has completely changed how people decide who to hire.
What Worked Then Ain’t Working Now
The pandemic years brought a flood of demand. Everyone stayed booked, and it didn’t really matter who had the best marketing. But that overflow is gone now. Homeowners have choices again. Backlogs are shorter, more builders have entered the market, and technology has completely changed how people decide who to hire.
Booked in Spring Starts Now
This year brought a slower spring, fewer calls, and leads that took longer to close. The builders who felt it the most were the ones who didn’t already have visibility where homeowners do their research.
Reputation Won’t Save You: Why Even the Best Builders Are Falling Behind in the AI Era
Remember when Covid hit? In a matter of months, everything changed. The way we shopped, connected, and did business flipped overnight. What we’re seeing now in marketing is no different. AI, Google, and a massive shift in buyer behavior have completely rewired the way homeowners find and trust contractors. And if you’re still relying on referrals and reputation alone, I’ve got some bad news: you’re already behind.
How to Maximize Your Deck Sales with Strategic Showroom Design
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Boswell from Boswell & Associates, a leading marketing and consulting agency specializing in retail space optimization. Michael shares his expertise on designing showrooms that can maximize ROI for deck builders. With years of experience helping businesses in the outdoor living industry drive sales through strategic space design, he offers actionable insights on how to create a showroom that not only attracts customers but also boosts conversions. If you’re a deck builder looking to optimize your showroom and improve your client engagement, this episode is packed with tips that can transform your business.
Inside Award-Winning Outdoor Design with David Settlemeyer
In this episode, we chat with David Settlemyer, lead designer at Under The Sun Concepts (UTS Concepts), a luxury design and build firm known for its stunning custom outdoor living spaces. Recently, David and UTS Concepts partnered on multiple projects recognized at the 2025 NADRA National Deck Awards, including top honors for Open Porch and Product Display. He shares his design process, how UTS brings decks, patios, and outdoor features to life, and what’s next in luxury outdoor design.
Dr Decks: Live Q & A
Dr. Decks has an incredible reputation for sharing real-world insights and practical tips that will elevate your deck-building game. Whether you’re looking for business strategies, tech tips, or just some honest, builder-to-builder conversations, you’ll want to tune in.
JobTread Live Demo: Streamlining Your Deck Building Process
In this live session, we’ll be diving into how JobTread can help streamline your deck building process, from project management to job tracking and everything in between.
Whether you’re looking to improve your workflow or simplify your operations, this is the perfect opportunity to see how JobTread can transform your business.
Deck Expo Series: Building Better: The Craft, Content, and Leadership of Jeremy Wilkins
In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast, April Edwards talks with Jeremy Wilkins, co-founder of Deck Van Gogh and creator of @DeckMasterJ. With over 20 years in the trades, Jeremy shares his journey of building a business focused on education, transparency, and innovation. From ultra-lean leadership to real-time client designs, Jeremy reveals his approach to growing a successful deck company and brand. Tune in for practical tips and insights on how to grow your business, improve systems, and lead with transparency.
Deck Expo Series: Eric Fortenberry’s Business Playbook for Deck Builders
In the final episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast – DeckExpo Series, we’re joined by Eric Fortenberry, Founder and CEO of JobTread Software. Eric is here to talk about his upcoming session at DeckExpo, “The Business Playbook: How to Build a Great Company from the Ground Up,” and share insights on how deck builders can scale and sustain successful businesses. We’ll also discuss JobTread’s software solutions for optimizing operations, increasing profitability, and improving customer experience. As this series wraps up, we’ll reflect on the incredible value DeckExpo has to offer and why it’s a can’t-miss event for anyone in the decking industry.
DeckExpo Series: Sean Collinsgru on Choosing the Right Pressure-Treated Wood
In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast DeckExpo series, we’re chatting with Sean Collinsgru, owner of Premier Outdoor Living LLC, a design-build firm specializing in custom outdoor living spaces throughout Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. Sean brings his hands-on expertise in decks, patios, and hardscapes to discuss his upcoming DeckExpo session, “Choosing The Right Pressure-Treated Wood for Your Project.” He shares insights on selecting the proper lumber for long-lasting, high-quality projects and tips for building stronger client relationships.
DeckExpo Series: Brett Kelly Talks Bamboo, Innovation & Eco-Friendly Decking
On this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast – DeckExpo Series, we’re talking with Brett Kelly, CEO of MOSO® North America, a leader in sustainable bamboo decking and building materials. Brett shares his expertise on bamboo as a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwoods, along with insights on MOSO®’s offerings, certifications, and industry innovations. Builders and contractors will enjoy hearing Brett’s perspective on durability, sustainability, and why MOSO® is worth checking out at DeckExpo.
DeckExpo Series: Jon Witt on Wood Deck Protection, Sustainability & Industry Insights
Welcome to the We Love Deck Builders Podcast DeckExpo series! In this episode, we’re chatting with Jon Witt, Technical Advisor for CUTEK® and a seasoned pro with over 25 years in deck design, construction, and sustainable outdoor solutions. Jon shares insights from his experience in the decking industry, his work with contractors and builders, and what’s inspiring him at DeckExpo this year. Builders of all experience levels will enjoy hearing Jon’s perspective on wood protection, sustainability, and how to approach high-quality decking projects.
Deck Expo Series: Tony McKlem on Deck Building, Sales & Business Growth
In this first episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast DeckExpo series, we’re thrilled to have Tony McKlem, the owner of Hollywood Decks, as our very first guest!
Tony is a seasoned professional in the deck building industry, known for his expertise in creating high-end outdoor living spaces. This year, he’s bringing his knowledge to DeckExpo with sessions that focus on improving the deck-building process, including efficient quoting and leveraging social media for business growth.
Tune in to hear Tony’s insights on his business journey, the valuable topics he’ll be covering at DeckExpo, and how he’s helping builders improve their businesses and processes.
Inside NADRA SoCal: Innovation & Insights with Mike Beaudry
In this episode of We Love Deck Builders, host April Edwards is once again joined by Mike Beaudry, the owner of NADRA, to preview the upcoming Southern California Regional Networking Event. Set for September 4, 2025, in Carlsbad, CA, this event offers the perfect opportunity for deck builders and outdoor living professionals to connect, learn, and grow. Mike shares exciting updates on the 2025 National+ Deck Competition, DeckExpo 2025, and the latest industry trends. Whether you’re new to NADRA or a returning member, this event promises something for everyone. Tune in to hear how you can make the most of this networking opportunity and stay ahead in the decking industry!
Smart Tech, Smarter Builds: How Deck Builders Are Using AI
AI isn’t just for techies — it’s for deck builders, too.
In this episode, April Edwards chats with Andy Henley and Mike Mitchell, the voices behind From the Field in Deck Specialist Magazine, about how they’re using AI in real, practical ways.
From quoting and marketing to workflow and growth, they share what’s working, what’s not, and how AI is changing the game for builders ready to scale smarter.
Building Success: How April Edwards Grew Deck Builder Marketers and Navigates AI’s Impact on Marketing
April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers, joined Dr. Decks on his podcast to discuss how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape for deck builders. In the episode, April shared valuable insights on how deck builders can adapt to AI-driven marketing strategies, ensuring long-term success by staying visible in an increasingly digital world.
Your Marketing Isn’t Broken – But the Game Changed
Marketing has changed more in the last 18 months than it has in the last 10 years. AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE) aren’t just changing how homeowners search — they’re changing how they decide who to hire. If you’re not showing up clearly, consistently, and credibly across platforms, you’re not even in the running. And no, a nice website and some Google Ads won’t save you.
